Rifle



Feb. 22, 1944.

G. J. HYDE RIFLE.

Filed Aug. 9, 1940 6 Sheets-usheet 1 N .IK u

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G. J. HYDE Feb. 22, 1944.

RIFLE Filed Aug. 9, 1940 Y 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 E w Ms RH @fY m.. E O K, ma n R A,

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Feb. 22, 1944. G. J. HYDE 2,342,283

' RIFLE Filed Aug. 9, 1940 v 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR GEORGE J. HYDE BY ATTORNEYS G. J. -HYDE Feb. 22, 1944.

' RIFLE Filed Aug. 9, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Q o f .Y W

INVENTOR GEORGE J; HYDE ATTORNEYS Feb. 22, 1944.

G. J. HYDE 2,342,283

RIFLE Filed Aug, 9, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 lj VU. e l] a' '1 e l Y Q Q Q meer. Qi Q, w f-i m .INVENTOR GEORGE J. HYDE BY ATTO NEYS Feb. 22, 1944.

G. J; HYDE 2,342,283

RIFLE' Filed Aug. 9. 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR GEORGE J. HYDE BY ATTORNEYS Patented Feb. 2.2, 1944 UNITE.

STES

RIFLE tion of New York Application August 9, 1940, Serial N o. 351,949

Claims.

My invention relates to rifles particularly of the semi-automatic type, i. e., rifles which may be controlled either for single-shot firing or for repeating ring.

In accordance with a prominent aspect of the invention, the rie consists of only two assemblies which may readily be attached to or detached from each other; more particularly, one of these assemblies is a trigger assembly which is so con- Vstructed that, when detached from the other assembly, the parts thereof remain in proper operative relation with respect to each other.

In accordancewith another prominent aspect of the invention, the aforesaid trigger assembly, when removed from the other assembly, exposes those parts of the latter which most frequently require a cleaning operation.

My invention relates particularly to a rifle which, aside from the grips and stock, entirely avoids the use of assembling screws or bolts.

My invention has further reference to novel features embodied in the yriiie bolt and in the cooking bar.

My invention has still further reference to important safety and other features resulting from the use of mechanism ofthe character disclosed herein.

Various other objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

My invention relates to the rifle, features and combinations of the character hereinafter described and claimed.

For an understanding of my invention and for an illustration of one of the forms thereof, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, showing the rifle of the invention, this View being taken on the line i-l of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional View, partly in plan, taken substantially on the line 2 2 of Fig. l looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3 is a transverse, Vertical sectional View, taken on the line 3--3 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4 is a perspective View, with parts disassembled, showing the ejecting means for the spent shells;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional View, partly in plan, taken substantially on the line 5--5 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional'view, partly in ele vation, taken on the line '6-'6 of Fig. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows;

ig. v'I is a vertical sectional View, corresponding generally with Fig. 6, and showing some of the parts in different positions;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a spring arrangement;

Fig. 9 is a perspective View showing another spring arrangement;

Fig. i0 is a horizontal Vertical sectional View, partly in plan, taken on the line Iii-I il of Fig. 13 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 1l is a horizontal sectional View, partly in plan, taken on the line ll-H of Fig. i3 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 12 is a perspective View, with parts disassembled, showing the retaining means'for the cartridge casing;

Fig. 13 is a side elevational View showing the rifle of this invention;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan View, partly broken away and partly in section, showing the rifle sighting arrangement;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal, vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, taken on the line l5-I5 of Fig. 14 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 16'is a transverse, vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, vtaken on the line Iii-i6 0f Fig. 15 looking in thedirection of the arrows;

Fig. 17 is a transverse, vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, taken on the line l'l-'llcf Fig. 15 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 18 is a transverse, vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, taken on the line 'lti3 of Fig. 14 looking inthe direction of the arrows;

Fig. 19 is an' enlarged, fragmentary, vertical sectional View, partly in elevation, showing a part of the mechanism of Fig. 10;

Fig. 20'is an enlarged, vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, transversely taken on the line 2li-29 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 2l is a fragmentary, vertical sectional View, partly in elevation,`taken on the line 2 I--Zi of Fig. llocking in the direction of the arrows; and f Fig. 22 is a side elevational View, with lparts disassembled, showing the rifle of this invention.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 13, the rie herein illustrated comprises, in general, a barrel i, a forward grip 2, a rear grip 3, ahousin'g- "comprising a forward block 5, a stock B and a magazine 7. The block 5 at the forward end thereof, comprises an internally threadedpassagef into which the rear end of the barrel lis. threaded,

The forward grip 2 is secured in suitable manner to a stem 9, Fig. 1, carried by the forward end of said housing block 5 and the rear grip 3 is bolted or otherwise suitably secured to a trigger casing IIl utilizable as hereinafter described. The stock 6 is secured to the rear wall 4a of the housing 4 by a screw bolt I Id. The lmagazine 1, in the manner hereinafter described, is adapted to be detachably associated with the housing block 5.

The housing 4 comprises a top wall 4b and side walls 4c, 4c serving to form a chamber C utilizable as hereinafter described. The housing 4 further comprises the aforesaid rear wall 4a to which the stock 6 is secured, the interior surface of this rear wall 4a being provided with a recess 4d of substantially rectangular conguration, Figs. 1 and 2.

The aforesaid housing walls 4b, 4c and 4c, at the front end of the housing 4, merge into the block 5 which comprises an approximately vertical wall II facing the chamber C, the lower section of this wall being inclined and provided with a horizontal slot IIa as shown in Fig. 1. The block 5 comprises a vertical chamber CI merging into a horizontal bolt-receiving passage P alined with the bore of the barrel I, said passage P having an orifice or passage O opening laterally and upwardly therefrom.

The aforesaid trigger casing lo, at the end thereof toward the right, Fig. 1, comprises a vertical iiange I2 adapted to fit snugly within the aforesaid recess 4d of the housing 4. The end of the trigger casing I toward the left, Fig. 1, comprises a recess in which is received an oscillatory member I3 having a latching member I3a cooperable with the aforesaid slot I la, the member I3 carrying an exterior handle I4 having an inner lug Illa adapted to seat in a corresponding recess in the adjacent casing surface. Further, as shown in Fig. 1, that face of the trigger casing I0 toward the left is inclined as indicated at I5 in correspondence with the inclination of the wall II.

With the trigger casing I9 positioned as shown in Fig. 1, the handle I4 may be operated to move the latching member ISa out of the slot IIa whereupon said casing Ii) may be swung generally in a counterclockwise direction, Fig. 1, about the shoulder 4e bounding the lower part of the recess 4d and then moved bodily to remove the flange I2 thereof from the recess 4d. At this time, as shown in Fig. 22, the trigger casing constitutes an assembly entirely separate and removed from the housing 4.

In as simple a manner, the trigger casing II) may be reassembled with the housing il. To this end, the lower part of the flange I2 is seated on the shoulder 4e whereupon said trigger casing I0 is moved to closed position, the walls I5 and I I coming into binding engagement at this time.y

The handle I4 is then swung to move the latching member I3a into the slot I Ia to thereby positively lock the trigger casing I0 in its operative position.

The hereinbefore described flange I2, when positioned as shown in Fig. l, has secured thereto a member I6 horizontally extending into the chamber C and having a helical spring I'I' disposed thereon in freely movable relation, the last coil of the spring IT toward the right, Fig. l, preferably having smaller diameter than the other spring coils so as to detachably anchor that end of said spring I'I toward the right in the position shown.

Mounted for slidable movement in the chamber C is the bolt I8 comprising a base section IBa having on each lower side surface thereof a horizontal groove I9, these grooves I9 receiving, respectively, the inwardly facing tracks 2li formed at the upper part of the trigger casing IE), Fig. 20. As shown in Fig. 1, the bolt base section i3d is provided with a horizontal passage ISD in which the helical spring II and its supporting member I6 is freely received.

As illustrated in Fig. l, the lower surface of the bolt base section I8a. comprises a cam surface IBC utilizable as hereinafter described.

The bolt i3 comprises an actuating section iSd projecting forwardly from the base section |30., said bolt actuating section I8d being alined with the passage P and the bore of the barrel I. At its far end, the bolt actuating section Iild comprises a tubular wall I8e forming a chamber in which is disposed a ring pin 21o formed integrally with and disposed centrally of said actuating section I8d.

The bolt actuating section ld, on its exterior surface, comprises a longitudinally extending groove IB which receives the spent shell extractor member 2I. At its end toward the left, Fig. 2, the extractor member 2I comprises the usual flanged tip ZIa` adapted to engage the inner rim surface of the spent shell as well understood in the art. The groove IBf may increase in taper from left to right, Fig. 2, and the extractor member 2l may be of similar configuration whereby the latter may be assembled in the groove by a driving fit between adjacent surfaces.

In addition to the foregoing, the bolt actuating section Id, on its exterior surface more or less opposite the groove |81, comprises a. longitudinally extending groove Ig utilizable as hereinafter described.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, one side of the bolt base section I8a. is provided with a longitudinally extending groove which receives the cocking bar 22 having, at thatl end thereof toward the left, an inwardly extending section 22a adapted to engage a shouldered surface I8h of said bolt base section I8a. The cooking bar 22 is biased from right to left, Fig. 2, by a helical spring 23 secured at 24 to said cooking bar 22 and at 25 to the adjacent side Wall 4c of the housing 4. Secured to the cooking bar 22 and extending transversely therefrom is a transverse pin 26, Fig. 2, extending through a slot 4f formed longitudinally in said last named side wall 4c, the pin 26, exteriorly of the latter, carrying an actuating knob 21.

The bottom wall surface of the hereinbefore described trigger casing I0 is shaped to form a trigger guard 30 in which the rifle trigger is mounted for oscillatory movement. This trigger comprises a nger piece 3| depending from an intermediate trigger section 32 having projecting from opposite respective sides thereof the horizontally alined lugs 33 seating in bearing surfaces formed, respectively, in the lower side walls Illa. of the trigger casing I0, Fig. 20.

Upstanding from the intermediate trigger section 32 is a finger 34 engaged by the end of a leaf spring element 35a formed integrally with a base 35, Fig. 8, having projecting therefrom the other leaf spring elements 351i, 35o and 35d utilizable as hereinafter described, and the springT base 35 being seated in a recess |019 formed interiorly of the trigger casing I0, Fig. 6. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, a plate 95, seated as hereinafter described, holds the spring base 35 in its recess IIlb.

4Thelspringv element 35a aforesaid biases the trigger in a clockwise direction, Fig. 1, such movement of the trigger being limited by engagement of the aforesaid trigger finger 34 and the trigger finger 3l hereinafter referred to with the respective members i lic -upstanding in the casing :l and formed integrally therewith, Fig. 5.

In addition to the above noted finger 34, a nger 31,-Figs. 5 and 20, upstands from the intermediate trigger section 32, this finger 31 being provided-With a longitudinally extending slot 38 which receivesthe shank of a scar-controlling member l39, Fig. 5, the member 39 having a link .40 pivoted thereto at 4I, Figs. 6 and '7, the trigger ngerl coacting with-the free end of said link -40 as shown in Figs. 6 and 7.

-Theabove described leaf spring element 35o, Figs. 6, 7 andr8, engages the link lli! to bias it to- .Ward the trigger finger 31, the effect of this spring vbiasing the scar-controlling member 39 from left f ,to-right, Figs. 5, 6 and 7.

As shown in Figs. 6 and?,y the Sear-controlling member 39, at the left of the link A0, comprises va section 38o, having inclined surfaces 39o, 39e

utilizable as hereinafter described. The sear- Ycontrolling member 39, at the right of the link 40, comprises an upstanding block 3M Which coacts either with a holding surface lila of a Sear 4| or is disposed in a recess lill) formed in the lower surface of said sear 4l.

The sear VIl! is supported pivot-fashion at Mc ina bearingsurface ld transversely formed in -thetrigger casing HE. The sear lll, toward the right, Figs. 6, 7 and 9, comprises a horizontal sectionllld, the lower surface of which is engaged and continuouslybiased upwardly by the free end ofaleaf spring element 52a, having a base 152 vfrom Which projects a normally curved leaf spring element 2b utilizable as hereinafter described, the spring base being seated in a recess Ie formed nteriorly of the trigger casing l0, said `spring base l2 being held in said recess Ille in the `manner hereinafter referred to.

.As shown in Figs. 1, 6 and 7, the sear 4I, on

the'npper surface thereof comprises an inclined .surface die with which, during operation of the rifle, thehereinbefore'described cam surface lc `of thebolt i8 coacts- As shown in Figi, the trigger casing I0 com- .prisesan upstanding, transverse Wall lUf having `apair of spaced longitudinal slots Ig and Ih, the shank of the above described Sear-controlling member39 being freelyslidable in the slot Hlg.

:Slideable in the slot Ih of the wall lf is the `shank of .a seas-controlling member 43 having .fat the end vthereof toward the right, Fig. 5, an upstanding block 43a which, the same as the block 39d, is adapted to coact either with the sear surfacerllla or be seated in the recess Mb thereof. Disposed in longitudinal'alinement with the slot ,lh and formed on the interior surface of thecasing I is a slot mi Which freely receives the shank endl of the Sear-controlling member 43 toward the left, Fig. 5, this shank, at its extreme ,end toward the left, Fig. 5, comprising an actuating knobb. The aforesaid leaf spring element 35D has an angular section coactable with a'similarangular section of the-sear-controlling ymemberl to bias the same from right to left,

Fig. 8.

`Referrin-gto Figs. 1, 6 and 7, the trigger casing l0 is shown as comprising a transverselydisposed, horizontal seat |87' in which isrotatably received the shaft A5 of asafety lever-having an actuating v handle .45ct .disposed lexteriorly, of said casing l,

Fig. 5. yThe shaft :45, adjacent the; handle 245g, comprises acircumferential groove 451: `having two flat sections A35e, 13501 formed therein. Beyond the groove 45h, the shaft 45comprises a fiat section 55e connected circumferentially Iby a curved section 45f.

The end of the lhereinbefore described leaf spring sectionl 2b, Fig, 9, rides in the aforesaid groove 45h and coacts alternately withv the flat sections e, 65d thereof to retain theshaft: 45 in either of the positions shown in Figs. r6 andi. When the shaft l5 is in the position show nin Fig. 6, the curved section 45j of said shaft 45 coacts with a downwardly extending nose 4U vof the sear il! to hold the sear 4l elevated. At this time, the leaf spring element 42h engages the flat section c of the groove 45o, Fig.,1. When the shaft 45 is in the position shown in Fig. '7,the flat section lie of said shaft 45 is disposed opposite the sear nose f whereby the sear .4l may be depressed, by thebolt I8, .against the action of the leaf spring element 42am the manner hereinafter described. At this time, theleaf spring element @2b engages the flat section v#45d of the groove 45D.

Referring further to Figs. 1, 6 and 7, the trigger casing lo is shown as comprising a transversely disposed, horizontal seat lille in which ,is rotatably received the shaft lit of a selector lever havingan actuating handle lla disposed exteriorly of said casing lo, Fig. 5. The shaft 46, adjacent the handle Gta., comprises a circumferential groove Stb having two flat sections 46c, lld formed therein. Beyondthe groove 46h, the shaft .4S comprises two flat sections 46e, :bij angularly related to each other on the saine peripheral section of said shaft llo.

The end of the hereinbefore described .leaf spring section 35d, Fi-g. 8, rides in the aforesaid groove i622 and coacts alternately with the flat sections lic, ld to retain the shaft i6 in either of the tivo positions shown in Figs..6 and 7. When the shaft le is inthe position shown in Fig, 6, the flat section 46c of said shaft 46 is disposed opposite and removed from the path of the inclined section 39C of the scar-controlling member 33. At this time, the leaf spring element 35d is in engagement With the fiat section 46c ofthe groove Mib, Fig. l. When the shaft i6 is in the position shown in Fig. 7, the flat section'df of said shaft l5 is disposed in the path of the in clined section Sile of the scar-controlling member 39. At this time, the leaf spring element 35d is in engagement with the flat section 46d of the groove 4Gb.

Referring to Figs. l, 5, 10 and l2, the hereinbefore described'block 5 is shown as comprising a transverse passage 5i) which ,opens laterally into the aforesaid vertical chamber Ci at the rear thereof. Slidable in the passage 5@ is a plunger 5l having an operating head Fila, an intermediate flat section 5H) and an end section Sic, the flat section 5l?) forming a part of the interior wall surface of the chamber CI, Fig. Landvthat end .of said intermediate section Elb removed from end of the pin 53 terminates short of the end of the passage 52 and a helical spring 54 is seated -in this end of the passage 52, said spring 54 bearing against the end of said pin 53 and the adjacent block surface 5c.

The aforesaid end section 5Ic of the plunger 5I, on its interior surface, comprises a ledge section Eid having a curved surface 5le leading therefrom. As the parts are shown in Figs. 5, and 19, said ledge section 5Id and curved surface 51e are positioned just Within the aforesaid chamber Cl of the block 5 with the curved surface Sie sloping downwardly from the ledge section 5Id.

The aforesaid plunger 5I, adjacent the end section 5lc, is notched as indicated at 5H, Fig. 12, this notch 51j of said plunger 5| defining the general area in which the aforesaid channel 53a of the pin 53 is located.

The block 5 has yextending longitudinally therethrough a passage 55 which, in part, intersects the upper part of the aforesaid transverse passage 50. Freely movable in a limited sense in the passage 55 is a plunger 56 having a lower flat section 56a adapted to rest upon the at surface of the pin channel 53a. In the zone of its flat section 55a, the plunger 56 comprises a notch 56h. As will be noted, the length of the pin channel 53a and that of the plunger notch 5If is somewhat greater than the diameter of the plunger 56.

When the parts are positioned as shown in Fig. 10, the flat section of the plunger 55 lies on a part of the flat section ofthe pin channel 53a with the plunger notch 56h receiving a section 53h of the round part of the pin 53, Fig. 10. The notch 55h is sufficiently wide, longitudinally of the plunger 55, to permit the desired movement of said plunger 55 as hereinafter described. However, such movement is limited by the walls of the notch 56h and it is impossible to remove the plunger 56 from its passage 55 so long as the pin 53 occupies the position shown in Fig. 10.

If it should become desirable to disassemble the plungers 5l, 56 and related parts, a small tool is applied to the small end of the pin 53 to move the latter with respect to the plunger 5I until the round section 531) of said pin 53 clears the notch 55h. When this has been done, the plunger 55 may readily be removed from its passage 55 whereupon the plunger 5l may be re- 4 moved from the passage 50.

In connection with the foregoing, it is to be observed that movement of the plunger 5l (and 62 being biased in an upward direction by the usual spring E3. As shown in Figs. 10 and 19, the side wall Bla of the casing 6| is provided y with an aperture defining a ledge section Gib adapted to come into locking engagement with 'the aforesaid ledge section 51d of the plunger 5l.

Thus, the discharge end of the magazine I may be inserted into the lower end of the chamber Cl and then moved upwardly, Fig. 1. While .so doing, the magazine side wall 61a engages the curved surface 51e of the plunger 5I and, against vthe action of thev spring 54, holds the plunger 5l in a position toward the left, Fig. 19, further than that shown in said Fig. 19. Just as the magazine 1 reaches its normal cartridge-discharging position wherein the upper surface thereof seats against the downwardly facing horizontal wall surfaces w, Figs. 1 and 3, formed interiorly Vof the passage P, the ledge section Glb ofl the` magazine vside wall 61a moves slightly above the ledge section 51d of the plunger 5l whereupon the spring 54 becomes effective to move the plunger 5l to the position shown in Figs. 10 and 19 and thereby lock the magazine l in the vertical chamber Cl of the block 5. Subsequently, when it becomes desirable to withdraw the magazine from said chamber CI, it is necessary merely to apply manual force to the head Ela of the plunger 5l and move the same against the action of the spring 54. In so doing, the ledge sections 61h and 51d are disengaged whereupon the magazine 1 may readily be withdrawn from the chamber CI.

As shown in Figs. 10 and 21, one wall of the liereinbefore described follower 62 has welded or otherwise suitably formed therein a spring member terminating in an angular actuating tip 56. During upward movement of the follower 62 within the magazine casing 6I, the actuating tip 65, with its supporting spring member 65 under tension, rides along and engages the inner surface of the adjacent angularly related casing side wall Elc which, in alinement with the aforesaid longitudinal passage 55 when the magazine casing 6| is in its cartridge-discharging position,

`is provided with an aperture Gld. Accordingly,

as said magazine casing 6l reaches said cartridgedischarging position, the tip 65 is moved from left to right, Fig. 21, to thereby move the plunger 56 from left to right, Fig. 21, for a purpose hereinafter to be described.

Referring to Figs. Z, 3 and 4, the wall defining one side of the bolt-receiving passage P in the block 5 is shown as comprising a horizontal opening l5, the Wall surface of which forms a bearing for. an ejector comprising a member 1| mounted therein for oscillatory movement, the member ll, exteriorly of the block 5, carrying an actuating handle l2 formed from spring steel and comprising a locking tip`72a adapted to be releasably seated in a recess 'I3 formed in the outer surface of the block 5.

As illustrated in Fig. 3, the member 1|, interiorly of the passage O, comprises an angular extension 'Ha adapted to be received by the hereinbefore described groove Ig during movement of the bolt I8.

As clearly shown in Fig. 4, the aforesaid opening l0 has a recess 14 communicating therewith at one side thereof, an undercut slot l5 extending from this recess partly around the opening 10. The member ll comprises a lateral extension 1lb, the configuration of which corresponds with that of the recess 14. In view of the foregoing, it will be understood that the ejector member Il may be moved longitudinally through the opening l0, the extension 'Hb being received by the recess 14. Thereafter, during oscillation of the handle l2, the ejector is retained in its intended position by action of the walls of the slot 'l5 on the extension 1lb of the member ll. Obviously, the ejector may be removed from its seat in as simple a manner, it being necessary rst to line up the extension 15b with the recess 14.

Referring to Figs. 13-18 inclusive, thesight arrangement for the rifle herein disclosed is shown as comprising a structure 4g upstanding from the rear of the top housing wall 4b and formed integrally therewith. This structure comprises the spaced, parallel side plates 18, 18 between which, adjacent their forward ends, a bearing 19 is disposed. This bearing 19 comprises a pair of spaced heads 80 each provided with a passage 8I, the passages 8l being horizontally alined when the rifle is positioned as shown in Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 14, the forward end of a leaf 82 is disposed between the heads 88, this leaf 32 carrying oppositely extending, alined pins S3 adapted to be rotatably received in the respective passages 8i which have open slots Bia communicating, respectively, therewith so that the pins 8| may be moved thereinto and removed therefrom. The leaf 82 extends rearwardly from the heads 80 and, at its rear end, comprises an upstanding section 82a provided with a sight opening 82h. Carried by the lower surface of the leaf 82 is a leaf spring 84 which coacts with the upper surface of the top housing wall 4b to bias said leaf 82 in a clockwise direction, Fig. 15.

As shown in Fig. 16, the leaf 82, at its rear end,

comprises a plane, depending section 82C having an inclined face 32d at one side thereof. Coactable with the inclined face 82d is an inclined face V85a formed on one side of an upstanding section 85h integrally formed with a carrier member 85 adapted to be adjusted transversely of the top housing wall 4b. To this end, the carrier member 85 may be provided with an internally threaded passage through which is threaded a screw shaft BB journalled in bearings formed in the aforesaid upstanding structure 4g, said screw 8E, exteriorly of the adjacent side plate 118, carrying an actuating wheel 81 having a hub section 81a. The end of the screw shaft 85, opposite the wheel 81, carries a disk 88 provided with a radial slot 83a, Fig. 14, the disk 88, normally, being held seated in a shallow depression formed in the adjacent surface of the adjacent plate 18 by a helical spring 8S, one end of which seats against the hub section 81a of the wheel 81 and the other end of which seats against a section of the aforesaid upstanding structure 4g.

As shown in Figs. 14 and 18, the hub section 81a of the wheel 81 is provided, circumferentially thereof, with a plurality of spaced depressions 81h with which is coactable a pawl 90 slidable in a recess formed in the housing 4, a helical spring 3| biasing the pawl 90 in an upward direction, Fig. 18.

As illustrated in Fig. l5, the upper horizontal surface of the carrier member 85 has secured thereto a pointer 92 coactable with a scale 93.

As will be understood from the foregoing description, the wheel 81 may be rotated to move the carrier member 85 transversely with respect to the housing 4. During such movement, the inclined face `85a of said carrier member coacts with the inclined face 82d of the leaf 82 to change the elevation of the sight opening B2b. If the leaf 82 is being raised, the leaf spring 84 aids such movement. If the leaf 82 is being depressed` said spring 84 resists this movement in a desired manner. which has been calibrated in predetermined range distances, to indicate to the user of the gun the elevation of the sight opening 82h which corresponds with the given range over which the rifle is to be fired.

In case it becomes desirable ot disassemble the sightingapparatus, the shaft B8 may be moved The pointer 92 coacts with the scale 93,.

against the force of the spring 89 to separate the disk 88 from its seat. When thus separated, said disk 88 may readily be moved transversely with respect to and detached from the shaft 8'6 whereupon said shaft 86 and the carrier member 85 may be removed from their respective operative positions. Thereafter, the leaf 82 may be manipulated to move the pins 83 from the respective passages 8| through the slots Sla, respectively.

The hereinbefore described spring base 42 was described as seating in a recess 10e of the trigger casing IB. In accordance with the invention, the recess Ille tapers to slight extent longitudinally of the trigger casing I0, the spring 42 being tapered in corresponding manner. Accordingly,

' the spring base may be associated with its recess in a driving-fit relation whereby said spring base is securely retained in its intended position without requiring the use of screws or pins.

Referring to Figs. 6 and '7, a plate 95 is shown as forming an upper closure for that part of the trigger casing toward the left. The recess 10m of the trigger casing l@ for the plate 55 tapers to slight extent longitudinally of the trigger casing H3 and plate 95 is similarly tapered. Therefore, the plate may be associated with its seating recess in driving-rit relation to thereby positively anchor the same in position. However, before the plate 95 is thus seated, the base comprising the spring elements 35a, 35h, 35e and 35d is seated in its proper position. Thereupon, the plate 95 is seated in position as described, this plate serving said spring arrangement in its seat.

As shown particularly in Fig. 20, the trigger casing it comprises, at opposite sides thereof, the outer, upstanding walls lim which, when said trigger casing Iii is in assembled relation, are disposed in close-fitting side-by-side relation with respect to the lower surfaces of the walls 4c, 'fi-c of the housing 4. This is desirable because it prevents entry of foreign matter interiorly of the rifle at the junction between the trigger casing Il! and the main assembly comprising the chamber 4, the barrel I and the stock 6.

In accordance with the invention, the arrangement is such that the leaf spring elements of the spring structure comprising the base 35, when seated in position, serve, respectively, (1) as the biasing means for and the means for holding the trigger in its seat, (2) as the biasing means for and the means for holding the sear-controlling member 43 in its seat, (3) as the biasing means for and the means for holding the searcontrolling member 39 in its seat, and (4) as the means for holding the selector lever 46, 46a, in its seat and for holding it in either of its adjusted positions.

Further in accordance with the invention, the arrangement is such that the leaf spring elements of the spring structure comprising the base 42, when seated in position, serve 1) as the biasing means for holding the sear 4| in its seat, and (2) as the means for holding the safety lever 45, 45a, in its seat and for holding it in either of its adjusted positions.

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, it follows that all of the operating parts of the trigger assembly are retained in their respective seats without the use of pins or screws. Further, when the trigger assembly is detached from the main assembly as hereinbefore described, all of the operating parts of the trigger assembly remain in their intended positions without any change whatsoever. In other words, the main assembly is withoutfunction as regards thev maintenance of any of the parts of the trigger assembly in their respective seats.

As shown in Figs. 6 and 10, the end of the hereinbefore described Sear-controlling member 43 toward the left is biased toward the left by the spring element 35h, Fig. 8, so as-to remain constantly in engagement with the tip 59C of the plunger 56.

-With the sear IlI in elevated positionftheriile is maintained cocked vby reason of the fact that Y theinclined sear surface 4Ie` is in locking eni Ward the left, Fig. 5, wherein the block section 43a thereof is disposed beneath the scar recess 4Ib.

For single-shot firing, the shaft 46 is positioned as shown in Fig. l so that the flat surface 46f thereof is disposed in the path of the searcontrolling member 39 to maintain the same in tilted relation somewhat as shown. Accordingly, under the conditions recited, when the trigger is pulled, the Sear-controlling member 33 is moved toward the left against the action of the spring element 35o, Fig. 6, whereby the block section 33d thereof is disengaged from the sear holding surface 4Ia. As a result, the weight of the bolt I8 depresses the sear 4I against the action of the spring element 42a. When this happens, the bolt I8, under the influence of the compressed spring I1 moves suddenly from right to left, Fig. l, the bolt extension I 8d at the left, Fig. 1, engaging the rear of that cartridge S disposed uppermost in the magazine casing 6I and moving said cartridge S along the sloping surface p of the head 5. the cartridge S in firing position with the advanced edge of the cartridge shell seated against the flange Ia of the barrel I and, when the cartridge is .thus positioned, the ring pin 2| engagesthe cartridge detonator to fire the cartridge.

When the cartridge S became seated in firing position as described above, the rear end of the cartridge S was seated in the chamber defined 4by the tubular wall Ie with the flanged tip 2m in gripping relation With the rim of vthe shell s.

Responsive to the firing act, the bolt I8 recoils and the groove I 8g of the bolt IS-moves rearwardly, the ejector extension 'IIa being in this groove during this movement thereof. As the groove ISg moves to the right from the position shown', in Fig. l1, the extractor extension 'Il engages the rim of the spentshell s and removes it from the bolt, the extracted shell s inherently turning and engaging the curved face o of the orice O under substantial impact whereby said spent shell s is thrown forwardly in the general directionl of the barrel of the gun. After the spent shell s has been ejected, the recoil of the bolt. I3, under the inuence of the ring shot, continues until the cam surface I 8c has moved somewhat to the vright of the inclined sear section 4Ie, Fig. 1 whereby the sear 4I moves to its elevated position under the inuence of the spring section 42a.

Immediately thereafter, the bolt seats Whenl the trigger was pulled as described above, the sear-controlling member 39 was moved to the position shown in Fig. '7 and it thereby assumed a somewhat greater tilted relation by reason of the fact that the inclined section 39e thereof rode upwardly along the fiat section 46,7c of the shaft 49. Accordingly, when the sear4| moves to its upper position as last described, the Sear recess 4Ib rises from the block section 39d and, thereupon, the Sear-controlling member 39 moves to the right, Fig. 7, under the'influence of the spring section 35C until said block section 39 passes beneath the sear holding surface Ia to hold the sear 4I elevated. This` happens before the cam surface Icof the bolt I8 returns from its excursion to the right as described above and, when said cam surface I 8c, does return to the searAI, the latter has been elevated as described to thereby, at its inclined surface 4Ie, engage the bolt cam surface I 8c and hold the bolt in position, with the spring I'I under compression, ready for the next shot, this occurring when the trigger is pulled again.. Ordinarily, the trigger is in .its drawn position when the recoil of the bolt I8 causes the canr surface I8c thereof to move somewhat to the right of Athe inclined sear section 4I e as last described. However, the Vtrigger is ineffective to prevent the described movement of the searcontrolling Ymember 39 toward the right, Fig. 7, by reason of the fact that said Sear-controlling member 39 is tilted at this time as shown in Fig. '7. Because thus tilted, the link 4D, assumes the position shown in Fig. 7 wherein the curved concave surface 40a thereof, rather than its nose4b, is in engagement with the nose of the trigger. Therefore, under the influence of the spring section 35o, the Sear-controlling member 39 moves toward the 'right as described above, the link 49 moving counter-clockwise, Fig. 7, to accommodate such movement. Y

For continuous shot firing, the shaft 46 is moved to the position shown in Fig. 6 wherein the flat Sectio-n.466- thereof is positioned upwardly. Accordingly, no tiltingmovement of the Sear-controlling member 39 occurs and, when the trigger is pulled, the link nose 4b,.rather than the link concave surface 40a, is engaged by the nose of the trigger. The link nose 40h is so shaped-that it is vnot readilydisengagedfrom the trigger nose during continuous ring. Furthermore, duringV continuous firing, the inclined surface 39h of the member 39 is lockedL under the inclined casing surface Is tothereby posi- 1 tively prevent upward movement of said member 39. Accordingly, after the shot -is red, with the shaft 46-.positioned as described above, movement of the scar-controlling member 39 toward the right, Fig. 6, is prevented by the trigger and, therefore, the sear 4I; does not become effective to lock the bolt` I8 in Vits rear position. It results, therefore, that, with said shaft 46 positioned as last described, continuous ring of the rifle occurs until the last cartridge is fired.

As shown in Fig. .1, the last cartridge S is in the top of the magazine 1. Just after this'cartridgev is moved to ring position, the follower member 62 rises to its extreme uppermost position and, in so doing, the tip 63 of the spring 55 moves into the slot BIcZ-as shown in Fig. 21. As a result, the forceof the spring 65 is applied through the plunger 56 to the scar-controlling member 43 whereby the latter is moved fromY left to right, Fig. 5, to position the block section 43a in engagement with the sear holding surface lila when the sear M is elevated by the spring section 42a when the bolt I8 recoils from the effect of the shot to the right of the position thereof shown in Fig. 6.

When the shaft 45 is positioned as shown in Fig. 7, the rifle is in shooting condition. At this time, the fiat section 45e of said shaft 45 faces the nose Blf of the sear 4l. Therefore, the sear may move between the positions described above to lock and release the bolt.

When the shaft 45 is positioned as shown in Fig. 6, the riiie is in safety position by reason of the fact that the curved surface 45j of said shaft i5 coacts with the Sear nose lilf to hold the Sear di elevated. When thus elevated, the bolt I8 may not be moved to firing position.

The cooking bar 22 is used to manually cock the riiie whenever that operation becomes necessary. As will be noted, the spring 23 continuously maintains the cocking bar 22 in its forward position except when manually restrained.

While the invention has been described with respect to a certain particular preferred example which gives satisfactory results, it will be understood by those skilled in the art after understanding the invention, that various changes and modtended therefore in the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. In a rifle of the character described, a movable sear having a holding surface and a downwardly facing recess, means for biasing said sear in such direction that the holding surface and the recess thereof tend to move upwardly, a pair of sear controlling members disposed in side-byside relation, each of said sear controlling members comprising means adapted to coact either with said holding surface to hold said Sear elevated or to be disposed in said recess to permit depression of said sear, and a single spring structure comprising flexible elements coactable with said Sear controlling members individually, said elements biasing one of said members for coaction with said holding surface and the other of said members for disposal in said recess.

2. In a rie of the character described having a magazine casing adapted to have therein a plurality of cartridges to be discharged in succession, a movable sear having a holding surface and a downwardly facing recess, means for biasing said sear in such direction that the holding surface and the recess thereof tend to move upwardly, a pair of sear controlling members disposed in side-by-side relation, each Vof said sear controlling members comprising means adaptable to coact either with said holding surface to hold said sear elevated or to be disposed in said recess to permit depression of said sear, a trigger mechanism to control the operation of one of said sear controlling members, and means responsive to the movement of the last cartridge in said magazine to ring position, said last-named means controlling the operationof the other of said members.

3. In a rifle adapted for a single shot or automatic firing and having a firing mechanism and a sear for holding said mechanism in cocked position, the combination therewith of means for rendering said sear inoperative to hold said firing mechanism, said means comprising a trigger, a pivoted member coactable directly with Said trigger, a link connecting said member to said sear and. serving a pivotal mount for said member, and an angularly adjustable element for engaging and controlling the :movement of said link to controlv the operative engagement between said trigger and said member, said element in one angular position thereof causing said trigger to be in constant operative engagement with said member and in another angular position thereof causing said trigger to become operatively disengaged from said member after said sear has been rendered inoperative to permit said sear to return to operative position.

, 4. In a riiie of the character described, a movable sear having a holding surface and a downwardly facing recess, means for biasing said sear in such direction that the holding surface and the recess thereof tend to move upwardly, a pair of sear controlling members disposed in side-byside relation, each of said sear controlling members comprising means adapted to coact either with said holding surface to hold said sear elevated or to be disposed in said recess to permit depression of said sear, trigger means controlling the operation of one `of said members, and means responsive to the movement of the last cartridge to firing position for controlling the operation of the Vother of said members.

5. In a rifle of thek character described, a housing, a sear having a holding surface and a downwardly facing recess, said housing serving as a pivotal mount for one end of Said sear, resilient means engaging the other end of said sear for biasing the latter upwardly in the direction of its operative position, a pairof sear controlling members disposed in side-by-side relation, each of vsaid members comprising means adapted to coact either with said holding surface to hold said sear elevated in operative position or to be disposed in said recess to permit depression of said sear, said last-named means being slidable on said housing so as to be pressed between said housing and said holdingr surface when holding said sear in operative position, trigger means for operating one of said sear controlling members,

and means responsive to the movement of the last cartridge to firing position for actuating the other sear controlling member.

GEORGE J. HYDE. 

